Best Wahl Clippers: Invest In A Quality Set Of Hair Clippers

A great pair of clippers is a handy tool for anyone! Whether you’re a professional barber or just someone who prefers to cut their own hair; the right tools can make the difference between a perfect trim, and a botched haircut. So, if you’re looking for a trustworthy brand in the grooming industry, look no further than Wahl.

Wahl has always maintained high standards when it comes to developing the latest products and models in their industry. Each and every Wahl product is built with durability, elegance, and quality in mind.

If you’re looking for a new set of clippers, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent months trying out all different sorts of Wahl clippers in my quest to find the very best clippers money on the market.

In this article, I’ll be going over absolutely everything you need to know about Wahl clippers, as well as giving you some helpful recommendations on what I think are the best Wahl clippers on the market.

Best Wahl Clippers Comparison Table

Reviews For The Best Wahl Clippers

Wahl 5 Star Magic Clip #8148

Barbers tend to fall in love with the Wahl Magic Clip #8148, and it’s easy to see why! It’s a sleek and modern clipper that is not only efficient, but powerful too.

The Wahl Magic Clip #8148 comes with 2,161 blades that are spaced out evenly along the clipper head for maximum coverage and can be adjusted with a convenient taper lever for a professional’s fading and blending needs.

This model is powered with a lithium-ion battery and can run for over ninety minutes on a full charge. However, you can also choose to use it corded. It’s worth pointing out that whether used it with a cord or without, it is still capable of dispensing the same incredible cutting power that makes it a favorite among barbers.

The Wahl Magic Clip #8148 comes with eight attachment combs. I appreciated how these combs felt well-balanced. They were durable and sturdy, but also flexible enough to make work around the head less strenuous.

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When you buy this clipper, you also get oil, a cleaning brush, a set of instructions, a blade guard, and a recharging transformer. This comprehensive set ensures that you have everything you need to keep your product in top shape, even after prolonged periods of use.

This device’s blades can be zero gapped and in my experience, does an incredible job of providing closer shaves. You won’t need to worry about limiting your movements if you plan on using it in a barber’s shop because its charging cord is eight feet long and thicker than the usual cords. It is also light and very maneuverable to help you keep up with a busy barber’s schedule. Ultimately, this clipper works with you to make sure that your client gets a clean cut, every single time.

Two aspects of this product that I feel could be worked on would be its noise level and the lack of an instruction set that explains how to use the clipper combs properly. It’s definitely louder than most models and switching between one clipper comb to another may take some practice.

Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion Plus Clipper

The Wahl 9818 is a sleek and stainless steel clipper that’s bound to catch the eye of any barber worth his salt. It’s more than just a top-of-the-industry clipper. It’s also an all-around grooming device that is well worth the additional investment.

The 9818 is extremely versatile. In addition to being a great kit for cutting head hair, it can also be used on facial hair and other body hair. It comes with four different attachments that can be used in multiple ways and are capable of perfecting a wide variety of hairstyles.

The first, dubbed as the T-Blade, has considerable coverage and can mow through your facial hair in less than twenty minutes. The second, which is the Detail Shaver, is useful for getting precise cuts and comes with a handy instruction leaflet to get you started on the right foot. Next, the Rotary Personal Trimmer makes quick work of eliminating those unattractive nose hairs. Lastly, the Detail Trimmer helps you sculpt the ideal style you’re going for by cleaning up any small messes left behind.

The Wahl 9818 comes with unique self-sharpening blades that help prolong its life span and help you save on repairs or replacements in the long run. I appreciated how this model had a quieter motor compared to the other Wahl products on this list.

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If you’re the type who needs to travel constantly, this device comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can handle both the local standard, which is 110 volts as well as the international 220 volts. So, you won’t need to worry about accidentally causing short circuits when you’re charging it abroad!

To add to that, the Wahl 9818 also has an incredible run time. If the corded/cordless Wahl 8148 offers two hours’ worth of runtime, this one offers over four hours of power after only one hour of charging. In case you still manage to accidentally run out of juice just when you need a quick shave, it also has a one-minute charge option that can churn out a three-minute shave.

With that said, it’s unlikely that you’ll lose track device’s battery charge. The LED charge indicator is bright and obvious, and conveniently located at the front and middle of the device.

One drawback to the Wahl 9818 is that its attachment guards seem to be built out of plastic. Which means that if you don’t handle this device with care you could end up causing the guards to break.

Wahl Elite Pro High-Performance Clippers

If the Wahl Magic Clip #8148 is built for professional use, then the Elite Pro is the home-use equivalent. This device is optimized for the home and comes with a variety of features that will quickly make it one of the more popular tools in your grooming kit.

The Wahl Elite Pro’s guide combs are some of the best that the brand has to offer. This model will come with ten of them, each built with a Secure Fit attachment to facilitate switching between them as you work. I found these guide combs to be twice as durable as the average guide combs and I appreciated how the Secure Fit helped make cutting your hair a bit safer, and more user-friendly.

This device is powered by an 8-foot industrial-strength power cord. Its length and durability help ensure that it won’t get in the way as you work. I also noticed that even as I mowed through really thick patches of hair, the motor stayed smooth and quiet.

When you buy this clipper, you also get a complete haircutting kit to go with you. This includes a pair of scissors, a styling comb, a cape, some blade oil, and a cleaning brush, and a blade guard. It is definitely a good investment to make if you’re looking for an at-home grooming companion.

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This model also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for home use.

The Elite Pro is equipped with self-sharpening blades that are built to stay on cutting-edge longer for your convenience. This is accompanied by an adjustable taper lever to help follow up with fading and blending.

Some aspects of this model that I have issues with are on its weight and the heat. It’s definitely much heavier than the standard electric clipper and it’s prone to overheating as you are using it. I would suggest taking ample breaks in between shaving so that you don’t wear out the device or your arm.

Wahl Peanut 8685 Classic Clipper

True to its name, the Wahl Peanut 8685 is just four inches long and weighs only four ounces. It is roughly the length of a few peanuts stacked together. It’s the smallest model there is on this list but this does not stop it from packing the same powerful punch as the other devices. This is a full-fledged professional clipper, built exclusively for professional use.

The Wahl Peanut 8685 comes with four attachment combs. These combs are measured out to a length of 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″. With its lightweight design and small stature, you can easily sculpt out the finer details of a hairstyle or you can use it to give good haircuts to children and pets.

This device comes with all the accessories you’ll need for use. Aside from the clipper and its corresponding attachment combs, it also comes with a cleaning kit, a red blade guard, and its own operating instructions.

If there is anything I could change with the Wahl Peanut 8685, it would be the length of the attachment combs. I feel like the combs jump too far from one size to another and if there were more intermediate sizes, this product would be perfect. I also feel that the motor is very loud and it can be quite irritating However, it’s still a good model to consider if you want a light but effective clipper to add to your arsenal.

Wahl Lithium Ion Cordless Hair Clippers

Wahl’s Lithium Ion Cordless Clipper maintains the brand’s most prominent features: a sleek and simple body, a sharp set of clipping blades, and a complete haircutting kit to accompany your purchase. What sets it apart from the other models, however, is its energy-saving capacity.

This clipper can provide two hours’ worth of runtime, and its batteries can hold a charge for up to a year. In case you still manage to run out of battery, you have the option to go for a 10-minute quick charge in exchange for a quick shave.

Its main selling point may be its efficient energy conservation, but a close second is its equally efficient cutting power. I found that it cut hair significantly faster than the standard Wahl precision blades.

The Wahl Lithium Ion Cordless Clipper’s haircutting kit consists of the following accessories: a pair of hair clips, two combs, a pair of scissors, a cleaning kit, and a travel pouch. It also comes with twelve different guide combs, four of which have been designed specifically to help with tapering off certain parts of your head. These are the right and left ear tapers, the brow trim guide, and the ear trim guide. The rest of the guide combs offer a trim anywhere between 1.5 mm to 25 mm.

It goes without saying that this model is equipped with the brand’s patented self-sharpening technology. Its blades are capable of maintaining its sharpness for longer so you don’t have to worry about any painful snags in the next few months.

One issue I had with this clipper is its power button. Instead of installing a traditional lever switch, this clipper has installed a rubber button with the actual power button somewhere underneath it. This makes turning the device on and off much more difficult than usual. Regardless, if you want a solid model that can hold a charge for extended periods of time, this is the one you should consider.

Wahl Color Pro Cordless Hair Clipper

The Wahl Color Pro is the family-oriented clipper you never knew you needed. This is, hands down, the ideal hair clipper if you need a device that you want to share with others.

Its most noticeable differentiation from the rest of the Wahl models is its color-coded guide combs. It’s not just for aesthetics. This makes it much easier to remember everyone ideal trim length, especially with the color coding keys printed at the very front of the clipper.

This device’s stainless steel blades are removable and can easily be rinsed through to maintain hygiene. While the clippers are not adjustable, they can simply be changed to adjust the trim length.

This clipper can go for up to 60 minutes on a full charge, and can still be used with a cord in case you prefer to have it connected to an electrical outlet.

One other feature that sets this clipper apart from most of its siblings is its capacity for international use. It can handle the standard local voltage, which is 110 volts, as well as the international voltage, which is 240 volts. This means that you can still take it with you and your family or friends as you travel.

A few issues I had with the Wahl Color Pro was that it is fairly noisy and its indicator light does not help track the available charge. It only indicates whether the device has been powered on or off. Even with these drawbacks, this device is definitely a solid choice for people who want something capable of enduring shared use.

Wahl Professional Balding Clippers

The name says it all. This is the Wahl model you need for a super short-shaved head. Please note that this clipper is built exclusively for professional use, and you may injure yourself if you try it at home.

This clipper is a necessary addition to any barber shop’s tool kit. It has a strong electromagnetic motor that can mow through any length and volume of hair at twice the speed of pivot motor. Barbers and stylists alike can rest assured that they can get the uber-close cut needed to achieve skin and bald fades.

If you take a close look at the clipper head, you’ll notice that the blades are forged from titanium. This helps maintain the device’s sharpness even throughout extended periods of use. To augment this, it is also equipped with the brand’s patented self-sharpening design so you know you can rely on this model in the long run.

If you’re looking for an absolutely clean head, you may need to follow up with a razor blade. This is because the main function of a balding clipper is to get a super close bald fade, not a completely bald head.

When you buy these clippers, you also get its cleaning materials, a set of instructions, and a red blade guard.

If there is anything I could change with this model, it would be its weight and its voltage capacity. This is because it’s bulkier than the usual Wahl model and does not have international voltage capacity, which makes it difficult to carry with you on your travels. However, if you need a great close-cutting clipper that you can use at home, then this is a model that you should consider.

Wahl Peanut 8655-200 Clipper

Here’s a variation to the Peanut 8685 that’ll catch your eye. The Wahl Peanut 8655-20 is a newer model of the 8685 and comes with many of the features that its predecessor is known for.

First, this Peanut comes with four main attachment combs that give this small yet powerful machine added precision and options for styling. From shortest to longest, these are the 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ combs. In addition to these combs, you also get a cleaning kit, a set of instructions, and a red blade guard.

Next, it offers the same versatility and function as that of its predecessor. It still weighs four pounds and is four inches tall, and it still has the power of a full-size motor condensed in a few peanut widths.

The ultimate difference between the Peanut 8655-20 and the 8685 is in terms of design and user interface. The Peanut 8685 is a simple, straight, and white clipper. It has no markings or curves to help facilitate the clipping experience. The Peanut 8655, on the other hand, is curved to fit more seamlessly into your hand. This helps make your work easier for you, especially if you plan on using the device for cutting your own hair!

Usually when you’re cutting your own hair with a pair of clippers, a lack of curve makes it difficult to work around certain angles and in some cases, it may become dangerous if you accidentally lose your hold. The Peanut 8655’s enhanced curved design makes them feel like a true extension of your hand, and makes cutting your own hair a breeze!

I do have a couple small griped with the Peanut 8655-20. Firstly, it could have clearer markings to help with faster identification. Second, it would be nice if it came with a small case of its own. Nevertheless, these are small drawbacks in exchange for a newer, more ergonomic Peanut device.

Wahl Clipper Home Barber Kit

The Wahl Clipper Home Barber Kit has got it all. It’s packed with thirty different accessories to give you the ability to cut your hair like an absolute pro! These accessories include a cordless touch-up trimmer, a cordless personal trimmer, and a multi-cut clipper, to name a few.

All these devices are driven by Powerdrive electromagnetic motors to help facilitate a smooth and powerful trim. This is paired with self-sharpening high-carbon steel blades that have been created to extend the device’s life span.

The kit comes with twelve attachment guards that work with you to achieve a wide variety of styles. It is made effective by a set of self-sharpening precision blades on all the devices, which help prolong its lifespan by keeping its edges in top condition.

In addition, the kit also has an adjustable taper lever which facilitates your work in blending and fade cuts.

Cleaning and maintaining your blades in this cut won’t be a problem because its blades are detachable. It’s only a matter of rinsing them under warm water and oiling them regularly to keep your devices safe and hygienic.

You won’t need to worry about any unforeseen circumstance you may come across while using this kit. There is a limited warranty on the clipper as well as the trimmers. The clipper is covered for five years, while the trimmers are covered for two years.

One drawback to this kit is that it is made specifically for use in USA electrical outlets. You may be unable to bring any of its accessories with you if you are the type who travels constantly. If you plan on keeping a comprehensive grooming kit in the comfort of your home, however, then this is a strong option that you should consider. This is one of the best kits for the budding home grooming professional.

Wahl Clipper Chrome Pro

The last device on this list is the Wahl Clipper Chrome Pro, a sleek device that gives a killer cut!

If you are a person with coarse, thick and very curly hair, this is Wahl’s gift to you. The Wahl Clipper Chrome Pro is equipped with a heavy-duty Powerdrive motor that gives it the strength to mow through even the thickest and coarsest of hairs. Once you’re done, finishing off the finer details of your cut will be a breeze with its adjustable taper level. This helps with blending and fading styles.

The Wahl Clipper Chrome Pro is equipped with self-sharpening blades. This helps prolong the lifespan of the most important part of your clipper, which in turn helps save your wallet in the long run.

There are thirteen attachment guards that come with this device, with sizes ranging from 1/16” to 1”. They are clearly marked and easy to use with the clipper.

This model’s design is unique in certain aspects. For one, it has a small riveted protrusion on the back side to help anchor your finger and maintain your grasp. Next, it has a more marked taper from the clipper head to its end that you don’t usually find in clippers. This helps center your hand closer to the clipper head and gives you more control over its movement.

If there are some things that the Wahl Clipper Chrome Pro could work on, it’s the noise level and the vibrations. The amount of noise it makes as you are using it can be off-putting to some and the vibrations that are generated by the motor nearly cancel out the benefits the amazing grip design brings to this device. If the motor could be toned down and its vibrations masked, then this would be the ideal clipper. However, it’s still a strong option to go for if you need to keep thick and unruly hair in check.

What Made Wahl Such A Trusted Name In The Clipping Industry

Founded in 1919, Wahl has been a trusted name in American households from day-one. They consistently design with high-quality clippers that are adored by consumers all over the globe. But what exactly made Wahl such a trusted name in the clipping industry?

The 7 Steps To Using Your Wahl Clipper

Getting a haircut at the barber’s may be a luxury that not many of us have. Hair cuts can get expensive and you may not have time to get one. But at the same time, haircuts are an important way to make sure you look clean and presentable. You can save precious time and money by investing in a pair of Wahl clippers. But after you order one in, how will you know how to use it? Here’s a quick rundown on what to do.

Get To Know Your Clipper

Familiarize yourself with the shape and feel of your clipper as well as its corresponding accessories. Note, in particular, the numbering system of the guards so you can easily pick them out and attach it onto the clipper head when you need to use it. As a general rule, smaller numbers mean shorter cuts. Clippers usually come with instruction booklets that detail the exact length of these guards, so make sure to leaf through that before you begin.

Gear Up For The Trim

Before trimming off bits and pieces of your hair, you have to get yourself in the zone before actually trimming. First, you have to make sure that you wash your hair. This removes dirt, oil, and foreign substances from your hair. As a result, it makes the hair easier to cut and comb. Second, prepare the guards and combs. And lastly, cover your shoulders with a cape or a towel to catch falling hair. Hair cuts can get messy, so it’s important to account for all the stray hairs beforehand to make cleanup easier.

Start With The Longest Shaving Guard

When you start trimming your hair, you have to make sure that you start with the longest shaving guard. This removes all the long hairs and helps pave the way for a smoother trim after. That way, you can just run the trimmer through your hair and come back later for detailing and keeping other parts shorter than the rest.

Trim Against The Grain

Note the direction of your hair growth. You need to trim against the growth of your hair. This keeps the trimming consistent. This also saves a lot more power and energy by being a lot quicker than cutting along the growth of the hair.

Use Scooping Motions

Don’t just press your clipper to your skin and hack away. This isn’t as efficient at removing hair and you run a serious risk of injuring yourself. Instead, use short scooping strokes to cut your hair. It helps achieve a softer and smoother cut. This method should be used for everybody, especially for people with thick curly hair or coarse hair because that way the clippers won’t pull the hair.

Clean Up The Edges

After trimming your hair to its desired length, make the cut look cleaner by keeping the edges shorter than the top of the hair. Switch to a lower guard when doing this. Trim the sideburns and the back of your neck. This evens out the sideburns and gives you a cleaner or more finished look. You can also use the trimmers around the ears. However, unless your clipper comes with accessories specifically for this activity, I would recommend using scissors instead to have more control.

Turn Off And Clean Your Clippers

When you’re done trimming your hair, turn off the trimmer and start cleaning up. You can use a lint roller to clean off tiny hairs that may get caught on your shirt. After cleaning up the hair you just cut, make sure to properly clean your Wahl clippers so you can get the most out of the already impressive durability.

Cleaning And Maintaining A Wahl Clipper

Knowing how to properly clean and maintain your pair of clippers is a necessity. You can’t expect your clippers to magically last forever if you can’t take care of them properly! Before you even think about buying a pair of clippers, it’s important that you at least have a basic understanding of how to clean and maintain your Wahl clippers.

Keep in mind that you always have to clean the trimmers after using it. This makes the clipper last longer and it also makes the guards and motor run smoother.

Firstly, clean the blades or guards in soap and water. You can brush or just rinse them off with soap and water, you can also use a soft cloth or brush to get the corners and the tight areas of the blades. Then, leave them to dry on a towel.

Next, you’d want to brush the hair off of the blades on the trimmer itself. You shouldn’t use water on the trimmer because that’s extremely dangerous. Instead, run a light brush through the head of the trimmer to brush off the hair that gets tangled in.

After that, oil up the blades of the trimmer. Turn on the clippers and then apply the oil to keep the blades sharp and stop them from rusting. Let it run for about one or two minutes before you turn it off and wipe off the excess oil.

By doing these steps you can make sure that your Wahl clippers last longer and run as smooth as when you first bought them!

Where The Wahl Clipper Began

The story of this grooming industry behemoth began when a young Leo J. Wahl created a massager for his uncle using an electromagnetic motor. He briefly made a living selling these to barbershops before he realized that he could do so much more with his innovation. He then started to experiment with clippers that were available at the time and strived to improve them. Thus starts the legacy of innovation and the ambition of Leo J. Wahl.

1919 was the year when Wahl got patents for his newly developed electromagnetic hair clipper, which changed the industry as a whole. The clipper was unique and it was built with a practical drive motor rather than using a shaft to connect to the motor. This is also the time he started manufacturing the clippers at the Wahl Manufacturing Company.

Dozens of innovations and inventions later, Leo J. Wahl had created and manufactured thousands of different hair clipper to barbers all around the U.S. He then concentrated on clippers and barbers as a target audience as to increase the efficiency and convenience of his wildly successful batch of hair clippers. By 1921, he purchased 100% of the stocks of the Wahl Manufacturing Company and renamed it into the Wahl Clipper Corporation.

The most notable milestone that they achieved was probably the one wherein they were the first clipper brand to be used by NASA astronauts in the early 2000s. The clipper had a built-in vacuum that would suck in the hairs and store them so that they don’t scatter around in zero gravity. It could also survive and work in harsh temperatures which is an impressive feat indeed.

This continued commitment towards innovation and giving quality products has made Wahl into the powerhouse grooming company it is today. Leo J. Wahl has unfortunately passed away, but he would be proud of the success of his brand. The fame of the brand is well-deserved and it is humbling to think that this market giant all started with the vision of one man.

Conclusion

Wahl continues to leave a legacy in its wake with a series of clippers that aren’t just tools, but companions in styling and personal grooming. If you’re new and confused about where to start, rest assured that there’s a Wahl product out there suited to your exact needs. The list above is my interpretation of the best Wahl clippers on the market; if you choose any of the products above you can be assured that you’ll be receiving a quality machine, from a trustworthy company.

Regardless of whether you’re planning to take personal grooming into your own hands or if you happen to be a professional barber, knowing where a chunk of the expertise comes from can be helpful—it can help you decide which model would be best for you and adjust to the styles you want accordingly.

Grooming is a rapidly evolving industry and Wahl is adapting to it at an astounding pace. If you want a wide array of quality products that are durable and versatile, then Wahl is the obvious choice.